I loved performing every week, but all of the activities and amazing people we met when we were not filming stick out to me the most.

If I can help encourage or inspire someone out there who is struggling with some of the same or similar issues as myself, then I think it's worth talking about.

In regards to my artistry, I've learned the importance of being vulnerable.

Even in the sad songs, I want people to know that it won't always be like that.

My advice to anyone wanting to get into the music business, is always be ready to learn and remain humble.

As long as children are still getting kicked out of their homes by parents, getting bullied, commuting suicide, et cetera. it's definitely still worth talking about.

I think my entire songwriting catalog reflects where I was in my life at the time. I capture whatever moment I am experiencing in life.

My songs always tend to have a good element to the story. That is who I am - an optimistic person.

I think my songwriting has developed over the years. As I get older, I have become less afraid to share real experiences.

I always love to support my friends and how they choose to express themselves creatively.

I am extremely grateful for my 'American Idol' experience, and I enjoyed every bit of it.

Real life seeks the gentle slopes at the back of Mount Improbable, while creationists are blind to all but the daunting precipice at the front.

All writers are insane!

The man was more temperamental than she was. Not an easy feat. (Mina's view of Diego.)

Everything holds its breath except spring. She burts through as strong as ever.

In the library I discovered that you could learn by following your nose. And I learned that a book was as close to a living thing as you could get without being one.

I'm sick of everything, and of the everythingness of everything.

After Proust, there are certain things that simply cannot be done again. He marks off for you the boundaries of your talent.

All my Calvaries were rosy crucifixions, pseudo-tragedies to keep the fires of hell burning brightly for the real sinners who are in danger of being forgotten.

The mask is torn off, while the reality remains

But I'd play on everything from pop records to a lot of the glam stuff to rock stuff to classical stuff. I used to get called to do all those things, it was great.